The intricate dance between our immune system and invading pathogens is a fundamental aspect of human biology. When faced with an infection or virus, the immune system launches a vigorous defense. Sometimes, this response becomes overly aggressive and prolonged, resulting in inflammation and the lethal accumulation of fluid in the lungs. 

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) scientist, Chris Schafer, Ph.D., has unveiled the mechanism that might lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This discovery carries the promise of developing medications that can either prevent or treat ARDS before it necessitates the use of a ventilator, offering newfound hope to countless patients worldwide. 

“COVID-19 serves as a poignant example of a viral infection capable of triggering an exaggerated immune response, ultimately pushing individuals onto ventilators,” said Dr. Schafer. “In such severe cases, ARDS, characterized by excessive fluid in the air sacs of the lungs, frequently proves fatal.” 

According to the American Lung Association, approximately 190,000 people are diagnosed with ARDS annually in the United States, with a staggering death rate of up to 40%. This debilitating condition frequently accompanies sepsis, an excessively aggressive and toxic response of the body to an infection, as well as influenza. 

In the context of these infections, immune cells travel through the bloodstream to reach the lungs. To facilitate this movement, blood vessels must open pores, allowing immune cells to exit and fulfill their immune defense duties.  

“Sometimes those holes become too big and stay around too long and flood the air sacs in the lungs with fluid. The ventilator provides oxygen to the body until the immune response stands down,” explained Dr. Schafer. 

Dr. Schafer and his team are actively investigating methods to temper this hyperactive immune response. His recent research has centered on a crucial protein called ERG, which instructs blood vessels to maintain their impermeability. 

In their experiments, Dr. Schafer discovered that during infections like influenza and sepsis, the body halts the production of ERG – but only within the lungs.  

"This process occurs incredibly swiftly, and it elucidates why the lungs are so susceptible to filling with fluid," he emphasized. "What we're striving for is a method to encourage the rapid production of ERG within the body." 

The ultimate goal is to implement this solution before the patient is put on a ventilator, which raises the risk of additional complications such as pneumonia, lung damage, blood clots and secondary infections. 

In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Dr. Schafer was selected as one of the 100 scientists across the nation to receive a three-year grant through the American Heart Association's Second Century of Science Initiative. The $300,000 grant will enable him to continue his investigations into ERG and its role in lung health. 

“Dr. Schafer’s research is revealing new information about the mechanisms that regulate how our lungs respond to infections,” said OMRF Vice President of Research Courtney Griffin, Ph.D. “We hope this will eventually help us tip the balance toward fighting off deadly viruses and bacteria more efficiently.” 

This story originally ran on the VeloCityOKC.com.